Portland State took care of business at the Viking Pavilion, defeating Montana State 63-54 in a non-conference matchup. The Vikings were led by Keyon Kensie Jr., who poured in 24 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, showcasing his skills as one of the top players in the region. This performance helped Portland State improve to 14-6 on the season, with nine wins in their last twelve games.
The first half was closely contested, with Portland State taking a slim 23-21 lead into the break. However, the Vikings came out strong in the second half, outscoring Montana State 40-33 to secure the win. Terri Miller Jr. chipped in with 16 points and 5 rebounds, while Kelcy Phipps added 10 points to support Kensie Jr.'s efforts. The Vikings' balanced attack proved too much for Montana State to handle, as they struggled to find consistency on the offensive end.
Patrick McMahon was the bright spot for Montana State, finishing with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Jeremiah Davis also scored 16 points, and Jed Miller contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Vikings' strong defensive effort. Montana State, now 13-10 on the season, want to regroup and refocus as they continue their schedule.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout had predicted a close game, with Portland State winning by 4.9 points. While the final score didn't quite match the predicted 77-72 outcome, the Vikings did indeed emerge victorious, and by a margin of 9 points. This correct prediction is a reflection of the accuracy of the scouting report, which highlighted Portland State's strengths and Montana State's weaknesses.
As the season enters its final stretch, this win is crucial for Portland State's tournament resume. The victory over Montana State, a Quadrant 3 opponent, helps to bolster the Vikings' case for a potential postseason bid. With a current NET ranking of 139, Portland State want to continue their strong play and improve their position in the standings. For Montana State, the loss is also a Quadrant 3 game, which won't significantly harm their resume but does highlight the need for the Bobcats to string together some wins to stay in the conversation.
The outcome of this game reinforces Portland State's position as a formidable team in their region. With Keyon Kensie Jr. leading the charge, the Vikings have the potential to make some noise in the coming weeks. As the tournament picture begins to take shape, Portland State's win over Montana State serves as a notable addition to their resume, demonstrating their ability to take care of business against quality opponents.